Final answer:
The statement is false as gaining weight, especially at a young age, can lead to significant health risks such as diabetes and heart disease. Healthy eating and exercise are key in preventing obesity, a condition that increases the likelihood of various chronic diseases. The correct answer is b) False.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'The younger an individual gains weight, the fewer health risks they may face in their lifetime' is false. In reality, when children and teens gain excess weight, it often leads to significant health consequences. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers are absolutely associated with obesity. If a child is overweight or suffers from obesity — defined as body weight at least 20 percent higher than a healthy weight for a child of that height — they are at a higher risk for these and other health problems. This is in part due to a trend where children today tend to weigh more than children of earlier generations, leading to a rise in obesity rates. As such, healthy eating habits and regular physical activity are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
To curtail these issues, it's important to choose healthy foods and get plenty of exercise, as these choices directly affect one's propensity to gain weight. A correlation between height and weight does exist, with the understanding that, typically, as height increases, weight increases as well. However, it is crucial to distinguish between a healthy weight gain in proportion to height and the unhealthy gain of excess body fat. Facing the realities of obesity, which is a rising public health concern, requires a proactive approach to lifestyle and dietary choices. The correct answer is b) False.